John A. Melia, a former U.S. Marine who is a member of the founding family behind the Wounded Warrior Project, told the Associated Press he would be open to returning to lead the group once again and restore its reputation.
The Melia family released the following statement to Action News Jax on Friday in the wake of the firings of CEO Steven Nardizzi and COO Al Giordano:
"Statement of the Melia Family regarding the firing of Steven Nardizzi and Al Giordano from the Wounded Warrior Project:
"Our family, like many other American families, places a high value on military service. John F. Melia served for 36 years in the US Army and retired as a Colonel. Both James and Matthew Melia served as commissioned officers in the United States Army. In 1992, John A. Melia was injured in a Marine helicopter crash off the coast of Somalia, in which 4 fellow Marines were killed and 14 were injured. John’s experience with the military medical system and the Veteran’s Administration led us to found the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in 2003 in an effort to comfort combat wounded service members and to help them and their families transition back to active military service or to civilian life.
"Our family pledged to effectively serve our sisters and brothers who were wounded in combat. Integral to this pledge was the obligation to manage donor funds with honesty and integrity. In 2010, after shepherding the WWP to the forefront of veteran service organizations, John A. Melia resigned as CEO of the WWP to pursue private business opportunities. Upon his departure, the WWP Board of Directors installed Mr. Nardizzi as the CEO. Mr. Nardizzi immediately cut all ties with the Melia family, going so far as to remove any mention of the Melia family from the WWP website.
"We are aware that the core employees of the WWP have continued to serve the veteran community with honor and distinction. These employees have continued to make a positive difference in the lives of our nation’s wounded. The actions of Mr. Nardizzi and Mr. Giordano should not reflect negatively upon these employees, many of who are combat injured veterans.
"We wish to thank those who have donated their time and treasure to WWP. Many donors have supported the WWP from its humble inception and have every right to be angry about the lack of stewardship shown by the immediate past leadership of WWP. The new leadership of the WWP must do everything in its power to restore its relationship and regain the trust of those it serves and its donors.
"Finally, we have initiated communications with the current Board of Directors of the WWP, requesting to meet with the Board immediately, in an effort to begin restoring the reputation of the WWP."
John A. Melia
James J. Melia
John F. Melia, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
Cox Media Group
